Team effort brings Pride Hangar renovations to completion

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class James L. Miller
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

The 28th Civil Engineer Squadron, 28th Contracting Squadron and the 28th Force Support Squadron, are providing Ellsworth Airmen an early gift this holiday season in the form of a new sports field inside the Pride Hangar.

With approval from Col. Gentry Boswell, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, the three squadrons teamed up to complete the project giving Ellsworth personnel an improved area to exercise year-round.

In addition to a new Field Turf XT-65 sports field, increasing the total turf area by 7,000 square feet, the renovations included installation of two new batting cages, an open area for physical training as well as the design of a professional sized indoor soccer field.

“It was refreshing to work on a project this unique,” said Senior Airman Cody Taylor, the construction manager assigned to the 28th CES. “Seeing how well it turned out and knowing how much people are going to like it is just awesome.”

From the many years since it was first installed, the existing turf had been successful in meeting the initial goal of an indoor sports surface for soccer and other activities year round, but the increased usage has exposed the weakness of the padded synthetic turf system.

“The old turf had resulted in rug-burn type injuries, especially during soccer play,” said Howie Aubertin, the engineering flight chief for the 28th CES. “This specific type of turf we’re installing here is the same type that has been installed at other Air Force athletic facilities, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as locally at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology football field.”

Personnel from the 28th CES ensured materials were certified for the project and that the correct amount was purchased for the contractors, while staff from the 28th CONS arranged all contracts, making sure the highest quality materials for the most advantageous values were ordered and available in a timely fashion.

“We made sure we were getting the best value, but also the best quality as well,” said 1st Lt. Erica Iversen, the officer in charge of plans and programs assigned to the 28th CONS.

Since the project began Nov. 1 and until completion Nov. 22, members from the 28th FSS have supervised the production and will maintain the facility, along with keeping an updated schedule of events and closures for the public.

For more information on Pride Hangar hours and closures visit www.EllsworthFSS.com